ADDITIONS TO MASHED POTATOES
To make the Irish specialty called Champ add 4 finely chopped green onions, ¼ cup sliced chives, or 6 finely chopped ramps to the hot butter and cream. Some add 4 ounces chopped stinging nettles as well. Using gloves or tongs, add the nettles to the hot cream, cover, and let them cook for a few minutes before adding to the mashed potatoes. Make Champ with half potatoes and half rutabaga and you have a Scottish specialty called Clapshot.
Aside from these traditional combinations, mashed potatoes can be flavored with a vast number of ingredients. Here are some of our favorites:
- Peeled cloves from 2 heads Roasted Garlic I
- 2 pinches saffron threads, crushed and steeped in 2 tablespoons warm chicken stock or broth or water for 10 minutes
- ¼ cup finely chopped mild herbs, such as parsley and chives, or 2 tablespoons minced rosemary, sage, or thyme
- Up to 1 cup Duxelles
- Up to 1 cup Sautéed Onions or Caramelized Onions
- Up to 1 cup grated Swiss, Gruyère, or Cheddar (4 ounces) or ½ cup soft goat cheese (2 ounces)